About Us

A Message From Our President

The Profession

Our Vision

IPAC Canada is a major national and international leader and the recognized resource in Canada for the promotion of best practice in infection prevention and control.

Our Mission

IPAC Canada is a national, multidisciplinary association committed to the wellness and safety of Canadians by promoting best practices in infection prevention and control through education, standards, advocacy and consumer awareness.

Our Organization

IPAC CANADA (Infection Prevention and Control Canada) is a multidisciplinary, professional organization for those engaged in the prevention and control of infections. IPAC Canada was incorporated under the Canadian Corporation Act in 1976 and is a registered non-profit organization. IPAC Canada has over 1600 members. (Membership Map on right)

IPAC Canada is a Not-for-Profit charitable organization whose revenues come from annual membership revenues, conference revenues, commercial advertising and unrestricted grants for specific projects. IPAC Canada does not endorse or recommend the products or services of any commercial entity that advertises on the IPAC Canada website.

IPAC Canada provides communication and education for those involved in infection control activities. Its goal is to prevent infections and as a result improve patient care and staff health in hospitals, other health care facilities, and the community by:

initiating and coordinating effective communication and cooperation among all disciplines united by infection control activities

promoting and facilitating infection control education for both infection control practitioners and other personnel working in hospitals, nursing homes and related institutions.

Our Members

INFECTION CONTROL PROFESSIONALS come from many different backgrounds within the health care field. These include disciplines such as nursing, medicine, microbiology, medical technology and epidemiology. Certification in Infection Control (CIC®) is also available by passing an examination set by the Certification Board of Infection Control (CBIC). IPAC Canada supports this certification. Accreditation Canada requires all accredited hospitals to have systems in place to ensure provision of infection control activities.

WITHIN HOSPITAL AND OTHER HEALTH CARE FACILITIES, Infection Control Professionals are responsible for keeping abreast of all current infection control standards and practices. They must ensure that these practices are implemented and the standards maintained within their institutions. This is done by orientation and continuing education of health care workers, consultation, surveillance and coordination of results. Infection Control Professionals maintain a strong liaison with public health authorities.

In 1985, THE MANDATE expanded to include the community, thus reflecting the responsibility of infection control beyond active treatment hospitals. Infection Control Professionals contribute their expertise to the community in many ways. For example, they:

work with the Ministry of the Environment on safe procedures for waste disposal

join government task forces setting standards for long term care facilities

assist in setting standards for the use of disinfectants in industrial settings

speak on infection control at institutions such as public schools and community colleges

advise AIDS committees at the local, provincial and national levels on matters of public education

act as consultants to a wide range of organizations including the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Canadian Standards Association, the Canadian Hospital Association, the Operating Room Association, Central Supply Services, and Ambulance Services.